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A student at New York City's prestigious Stuyvesant High School has been forced out over allegations of helping more than 50 other students cheat on a citywide exam last week. His peers Tuesday both supported and criticized his being forced out of the school. Roseanne Colletti reports. (Published Tuesday, June 26, 2012)

Updated at 8:07 PM EDT on Tuesday, Jun 26, 2012

A student at New York City's prestigious Stuyvesant High School has been forced out over allegations of helping more than 50 other students cheat on a citywide exam last week, according to a published report.

The Daily News reports the junior used an iPhone to take pictures of his Spanish exam with the answers filled out. The alleged cheater may have texted the answers to dozens of other students.

Cheating Allegations at Stuyvesant High School

Students at Stuyvesant High are accused of sharing answers with their cell phones. The allegations could tarnish the reputation of one of New York City's most elite schools. Andrew Siff reports. (Published Tuesday, June 26, 2012)

Cell phones are banned from New York City schools, but the boy allegedly managed to smuggle his phone in.

A suspicious proctor took the boy's phone and discovered the student had also taken photos of his physics and English Regents exams, and given out answers to classmates, the Daily News said.

A Department of Education spokeswoman told NBC 4 New York it was investigating the cheating allegation.

The student was disciplined last week and will not be returning to the school, according to the News. The recipients of the student's exam snapshots and answers have not yet been disciplined but their parents have been notified.

It wasn't clear if the student was paid to help the others cheat.

People who live and work near the highly respected school said technology presents greater challenges for teachers and administrators trying to crack down on cheating.

"The kids that go to this school are under a ton of pressure," said neighbor Melissa Tuozzolo of Battery Park City.

"In this day and age, people are looking for the easy way out," said Michael Pesce.

Stuyvesant is one of New York City's most competitive public high schools, admitting just a small percentage of applicants who ace the specialized high school entrance exam.

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